Abstract

This book contains a great deal of useful information about ticks of the genus Ixodes which are noted as occurring in Africa. Sixty-four species and subspecies, as well as two forms of uncertain status, are described. In each case, a description of all known stages is given, host and distribution records are listed, and illustrations are included. For some of the species and subspecies, ecological and life history data are summarized, while remarks on taxonomic affinities accompany others. Keys to the adult Ixodes species of specific geographic regions are given.

As a practical manual for identification of adult African Ixodes, this book will no doubt assist workers confronted with such a problem. The keys will be particularly helpful. The illustrations, which are generally satisfactory, will also be of considerable assistance.

This book suffers from several flaws. The larval descriptions lack information on chaetotaxy, which, as Clifford and Anastos (567–578; 1960 J. Parasitol., 46: 5) have shown, represents perhaps the most useful character for identifying larval Ixodes.